Protesters block traffic on busy LA freeway by sitting in front of cars - as 8 are arrested

Anti-Israel protesters brought traffic to a standstill on a busy Los Angeles highway demanding for a ceasefire in Gaza. 

Protesters from the group IfNotNow Los Angeles walked onto the southbound 405 Freeway near Venice Boulevard around 9 a.m. PT Tuesday creating an instant traffic jam.

Video from Fox 11 showed the group walking along the highway carrying posters as piles of cars began mounting behind them.

California Highway Patrol were seen arresting the dozens of protesters and sitting them along the road barrier.

'American Jews and allies have shut down the 405 freeway in West Los Angeles in protest of U.S. support for Israel's assault on Gaza,' the organizers said in a statement to KABC.

'With one week to go before the Democratic National Convention, protesters are coalescing around three demands for all elected officials: call for a lasting ceasefire, reject the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and legislate an arms embargo.' 

Eight protesters were arrested and in total there were around 40 protesters, most of whom left on foot when police arrived, reported KTLA.

Drivers were advised to get off at Olympic Boulevard and avoid the 10 Freeway, which was reopened to the slow moving traffic about an hour later.

No injuries were reported.